JPH0523151B2 - - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an intraocular lens that is inserted into the eye through an incision and that has a deformable optical element. .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Intraocular lenses (IOL'S) are a well-known type of surgical implant used to replace a biological lens in a damaged eye. The intraocular lens typically includes an optical element and at least one setting member attached to the optical element. This setting member is for positioning the optical element within the eye in optical alignment. Most of the setting members have a fiber condition and are attached to the optical element at or adjacent to the optical element.

It is well known to construct optical elements from hard biocompatible polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Recently, it has been proposed to construct optical elements from relatively flexible or deformable materials. When configured in this manner, the optic is rolled or folded to reduce its cross-sectional shape and allow it to be inserted into the eye through a relatively small incision, reducing trauma and reducing the possibility of surgical infection. can be reduced.

The setting member is constructed of a resilient material, typically polypropylene. In some intraocular lenses, the setting member is integrally formed with the optical element. Various other methods have been devised for attaching setting members to optical elements.

The usual mounting method is to make two small holes that intersect at the edge of the optical element, insert the mounting end of the setting member into one hole, and insert a heated rod into the other intersecting hole. . The heated rod contacts and melts the mounting end of the setting member and then obtains a mechanical lock after the material solidifies.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) As described above, two
Drilling two small holes requires high-precision machining. Also, in constructing an intraocular lens by this method, the fused portion of the setting member may not completely fill the hole in the optic, and there is a risk that debris may become trapped in the remaining void.

Attaching the setting member to the optical element is particularly troublesome when the optical element is constructed of a soft or deformable material such as silicone. Although the deformable optic is folded or rolled up prior to insertion into the eye through the incision, deflection of the optic can cause the setting member to dislodge from the optic, resulting in wasted intraocular lens use. as well as pose a potential danger to the patient. Soft optic materials, such as silicone, are relatively difficult to use as contact lenses with integral setting members because they do not have sufficient rigidity.

It is known to attach a setting member to a resilient circular ring and mold a soft optical element material onto the ring such that the ring is concentric with the optical element and extends along the peripheral area of the optical element. However, if this structure were to make the optical element foldable, the ring could not be made of a rigid or non-foldable material, and the optical element would have to be provided with a large diameter ring to hold the ring.

(Means for Solving the Problems) The first invention of the present application is an intraocular lens inserted into the eye through an incision, which includes a deformable optical element having a periphery and an intraocular lens. two setting members for stationary fixation of the optical element, one end of which is arranged at a predetermined position within the eye; two anchors mounted near the periphery of the optical element, the anchors being spaced apart from each other and secured to respective opposite ends of the setting member, at least one of the anchors The anchors have an arcuate shape and extend for a predetermined length along the periphery of the optical element, and the anchors are arranged at mutually symmetrical positions around the center of the optical element. There is,
The invention is characterized in that it includes the two anchors described above.

The second invention of the present application is an intraocular lens that is inserted into the eye through an incision, and includes a deformable optical element having a periphery and a stationary fixation of the optical element within the eye. two setting members, one end of which is attached near the periphery of the two setting members and the optical element, one end of which is arranged at a predetermined position within the eye; two anchors spaced from each other and fixed to the respective opposite ends of the setting member, at least one of the anchors having a short rod-like configuration; and extending substantially perpendicularly to the setting member across and on either side of the other end of the setting member, and the anchors are arranged at mutually symmetrical positions about the center of the optical element. The invention is characterized in that it includes the two anchors.

(Operations and Effects of the Invention) In the first invention of the present application, the end of the setting member is fixed to the anchor that has an arc shape and extends over a predetermined length along the periphery of the optical element. Because the two anchors are spaced apart from each other, the deformable optic can be easily folded in the area between the two anchors and the optic can be inserted into the eye through a relatively small incision. elements can be inserted.

In addition, in the second invention of the present application, anchors are provided which have a short rod-like form and extend substantially perpendicularly to the setting member on both sides thereof across the end of the setting member; Because the anchors are spaced apart from each other, the deformable optic can be easily folded in the area between the two anchors, allowing insertion of the optic into the eye through a relatively small incision. I can do it.

Furthermore, the anchor in the first and second inventions can be reliably mechanically coupled to the optical element, and thus the setting member can be reliably attached to the optical element. prevents relative rotation of the

The anchor can be made of a material that is more rigid than the material of the optical element, such as an elastic material or a rigid material, and can be quite thin, so that the attachment area can be made quite small relative to the optical element, making it easier to There is no obstacle to deformability.

(Example) Figure 1 shows an optical element 1 made of a transparent biocompatible material.
3. Setting members 15, 17 and anchors 19, 21
An intraocular lens 11 having the following is shown. Optical element 13
can take a variety of different shapes, but in the illustrated embodiment has a convex front surface 23 (FIG. 2) and a convex rear surface 25.
and a circular periphery or peripheral edge 27. Optic element 13 is constructed of a suitable soft, deformable material, such as silicone or polyurethane, so that the optical element can be rolled or folded and inserted into the eye through a small incision.

Setting members 15, 17 statically fix optical element 13 in the correct position within the eye. Setting member 1
Each of 5 and 17 is in the shape of a long and thin elastic fiber or filament. The setting member can take a variety of shapes, but in this embodiment it is approximately J-shaped. Setting members 15, 17 are constructed of a resilient biocompatible material such as polypropylene.

The anchors 19, 21 can also take various shapes, but in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 4,
The anchors 19 and 21 are arcuate filaments, and the setting member is coupled to circumscribe the arcuate anchors. In this embodiment, the anchor 19,
21 have the same structure. anchor 1
9, 21 may be formed of wire of any suitable biocompatible material, such as polymethyl methacrylate, which is rigid, or polypropylene, which is relatively resilient. In any case, in this particular embodiment the anchors 19, 21 are formed by deformable optical elements 1 made of silicone or polyurethane.
It is more rigid than 3. The anchors 19, 21 may be molded integrally with the setting members 15, 17, or may be formed separately and fixed to the mounting end 29, for example by welding or the like.

Although the length of the arc of the anchors 19, 21 may vary, in this embodiment, each anchor is
It extends along the periphery of the optical element over approximately 90° of its central angle. The anchors 19, 21 are in this embodiment arranged along the periphery of the optical element and diametrically symmetrical to each other about the center of the optical element, with their respective ends spaced apart by approximately 90° in circumferential angle. can be established. Anchors 19 and 21 are setting members 1
5 and 17 on the mounting side, respectively.
The anchors 19, 21 and the attachment side end 29 are
In a region close to the periphery of the optical element 13, the anchor extends along the periphery 27. Furthermore, the anchors 19, 21 preferably extend concentrically with the optical element 13. The optical element 13 is molded or formed around the mounting end 29 and the anchors 19,21.

This structure provides important advantages. For example, the anchors 19, 21 not only provide a strong mechanical connection with the optical element 13 and prevent the risk of the setting members 15, 17 slipping out of the optical element, but also prevent rotation of the setting members relative to the optical element. prevent Furthermore, because there can be a large spacing between the anchors 19, 21, the anchors do not prevent the optical element 13 from folding or wrapping into a smaller shape during insertion into the eye through the incision. Thus, even if the anchors 19, 21 are made of a rigid material, they can be folded so that the optical element 13 can be inserted through a small incision. Further, the anchors 19 and 21 serve as supports for supporting the optical element 13 so that the optical element does not rotate relative to the setting member and the optical characteristics are not shifted when the intraocular lens is inserted into the eye. Helpful.

5 and 6 show intraocular lenses 11a and 11b, respectively, of another embodiment of the invention, the optical elements of which are the same as those of the intraocular lens 11. FIG. Portions of the intraocular lenses 11a and 11b that correspond to portions of the intraocular lens 11 are indicated by corresponding symbols a and b, respectively.

The intraocular lenses 11a and 11b are connected to the anchor 19
It differs from the intraocular lens 11 in the structure of a and 19b. Each of the anchors 19a, 19b is
In the form of short rods of a suitable resin such as PMMA or polypropylene. anchor 19
Both ends 29a, 29 on the installation side
b, extending substantially perpendicularly to the setting member on both sides thereof. The anchor 19a has an attachment side end 2
9a, and the anchor 19b is inserted into the attachment side end 29b. In particular, for example, the mounting end 29b may be inserted into the hole 41 of the anchor 19b.
A high-temperature rod is inserted through the bore 43 to melt a portion of the mounting end 29b, and is engaged with the bore 43 to lock the anchor 19b to the mounting end 29b. A protrusion 45 may be formed within the bore 43. Anchor 19a, 19
After mounting b, the optical elements 13a, 13b are molded around the mounting ends 29a, 29b and the anchors, respectively.

Anchors 19a, 19b are optical elements 13a,
13b to provide a strong bond. Furthermore, the anchors 19a, 19b prevent relative rotation between the optical element and the setting members 15a, 15b.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, many changes, modifications and substitutions may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. obtain.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is an elevational view, partially in section, of one form of an intraocular lens according to the teachings of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the same intraocular lens; and FIG. line 3
4 is a perspective view of an example of a configuration of a setting member and an anchor, and FIGS. 5 and 6 show a part of an optical element and a setting member using anchors of different structures, respectively. FIG. 11, 11a, 11b...intraocular lens, 13...
...Optical element, 15, 17... Setting member, 19, 1
9a, 19b, 21...anchor, 27...periphery, 29, 29a, 29b...end on the installation side.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. An intraocular lens inserted into the eye through an incision, comprising a deformable optical element having a periphery, and a deformable optical element that is fixed stationary within the eye. two setting members, one end of which is attached near the periphery of the optical element, one end of which is arranged at a predetermined position within the eye; two anchors spaced apart from each other and fixed to respective other ends of the setting member, at least one of the anchors having an arcuate configuration; the two anchors extending for a predetermined length along the periphery of the optical element, the anchors being arranged at mutually symmetrical positions about the center of the optical element; Contains an intraocular lens. 2. The anchor is formed of wire;
An intraocular lens according to claim 1. 3. The intraocular lens of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the anchors is integral with the setting member. 4. Each of the anchors extends across the other end of each of the two setting members on both sides thereof. intraocular lens. 5. Any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical element has a substantially circular periphery.
Intraocular lenses described in. 6. An intraocular lens intended to be inserted into the eye through an incision, comprising a deformable optical element having a periphery and two settings for stationary fixation of the optical element within the eye. a member, one end of which is adapted to be placed at a predetermined position within the eye, the two setting members and two anchors attached near the periphery of the optical element; the anchors are spaced apart from each other and fixed to the respective opposite ends of the setting member, at least one of the anchors having a short rod-like configuration; said two anchors extending across and on either side of the other end, substantially perpendicular to said setting member, and said anchors being arranged at mutually symmetrical positions about the center of said optical element; An intraocular lens, including an anchor. 7. The anchor has a hole for receiving the other end of the setting member, and a bore perpendicular to the hole,
7. The intraocular lens according to claim 6, wherein the other end of the setting member has a protrusion that engages with the bore.